The reason why Iraqi people seek asylum in other countries is because they fear for their lives. There is only one answer when I ask people why they left their country - they had no alternative. This has been the answer for years now.

I don't think war will make the situation any better for the Iraqi refugees. War only means destruction and death of innocent civilians. Even after the war, there is no guarantee that a democratic government will be reinstated in Iraq. The war will only end Saddam's regime.

Our dilemma is that if Saddam stays [in power] for any longer, many more people will be victims of his regime, but if there is war there will be an equal number of people who will be victims of war. Does that justify the war?

If there is a war with Iraq, more people will flee the country to neighbouring countries as happened in the 1991 uprising after the Gulf war. One million fled to Iran and another half a million to Turkey. Those who can, will come to Europe. We hear from the media that the armies of the US and Britain are building up [on Iraq's border], which means another wave of refugees will flee into neighbouring countries. A big percentage will try and come to Europe, although I cannot say how many.

The situation Iraqi asylum-seekers face even in Britain is fragile. Iraq is under sanctions and people are fleeing the repressive regime. We are already overwhelmed by demand for food and shelter for refugees and after the new immigration bill since January 8, our hands are tied.

The new asylum policy means that those who seek asylum after entering the country, cannot access public funds for food and housing. They are not entitled to housing support and [Iraqi refugees] end up on the streets. We cannot do anything for them. We are frustrated. So many people call us for help, and we cannot do anything.

In Iran and Turkey, Iraqi refugees are often out in the desert or [at best] in a tent with no basic facilities. When I talk to people who come here, they are in a poor state of health. They suffer from malnutrition and ill health after long stretches of travel. Children and young mothers especially suffer from psychological trauma. People who come here come with multiple health problems.

We cannot even offer counselling services because there are so few Arabic-speaking counsellors in Britain. We have mentioned this to the authorities that there need to be more Arabic-speaking counsellors. Most Iraqi people want to go home and stay in Iraq. But they do not have a choice.